And yet, not, exactly. Walking the streets of the busy city seemed to have become a habit. Lingering with normals settled my mind, helped me smother the driving need of the power I bore, gave me breathing space though the crowds around me crushed me physically almost as much as Mom's betrayal had.

Again, I didn't blame her, not really, but I did.

Oh, I did.

This has to end. Viviana's voice was subdued for once, no longer snide or amused or bearing that cackling ...